Appliance Adventures

We are very comfortable in our little apartment in the old part of Oviedo. The building is actually quite modern – we think it was built in the 1980s. It has been a challenge to learn how to operate the appliances in the apartment, however. This is both because they are much more up-to-date than the ones we had in our old house in New Hampshire and, of course, they are European models. We can use most of them quite well now, but a couple remain mysterious.

Refrigerator

We have a modest-sized “Smeg” model, with the freezer at the bottom. When we first arrived the refrigerator compartment was producing puddles of water under the produce bins daily, which resulted in glaciers growing in the freezer. We did a little online sleuthing (the frig was the only appliance not to have a manual here in the apartment) and adjusted the temperature settings and cleaned out a drainage tube – it has been dry ever since. No problems.

Stove

We have an induction range! We did not even know what that was until just before we left the States, when we were staying with my husband’s brother and wife in New Jersey. They were flooded in Hurricane Sandy and had a beautiful, new kitchen installed – with an induction range. They predicted we might have one in Spain, since they are becoming more and more common in Europe. And we do! But we did not know you need compatible pots and pans, or that there are some slight adjustments to cooking methods. At first I first tried to scramble an egg in a pan that made the range say “F” – the egg was quickly scorched almost black. Now we are quite adept at using the “1-9” heat settings and know when to add a kick with the “P” (= Power) setting. We haven’t seen the “F” (for Failure?) recently.

Oven

This seems like it will be a nice unit, although we haven’t used it very much. I am a bit intimidated by the NINE “available cooking functions.” I am used to a plain old oven where setting the temperature and the rack positions are the only variables. It may be quite some time before I figure out the differences among Grilling, Thermal Grilling, and Full Grilling. At least I have a helpful (?) Baking and Roasting Table! I am so happy to know the right settings for a Victoria sandwich, a hare, and sea bream – not to mention “whisked recipies.”

Microwave

This has been pretty straightforward, although we haven’t asked anything very complex of it. You have to do all the settings (power level and time) with the door open, then you shut the door, and press start. But we don’t know what the symbols below the clock mean, or what the two buttons just below are for.

Dishwasher

The dishwasher (also a Smeg!) has definitely given us the most difficulty. But there is a real reason for this – the digital display at the far left is faulty, and we can’t tell what numbers or symbols are displayed. So we have been guessing. So far, when something that looks like a backwards “F” shows up, that seems to yield a good cycle that will clean our dishes. But look at our choices! There appear to be 12 cycles, albeit only with 8 numbers. We hope we have been doing something like cycle 4 = normally soiled pans and dishes. But I’m fond of cycle 6 = very dirty pans and dishes, even with dried-on dirt; and also cycle 8 = dishes that need “freshening up.”

Washer “& Dryer”

The washer works wonderfully. It also has innumerable settings, but there is a good manual and in this case the symbols on the knobs are quite easy to interpret. But…. we thought we would have a dryer, too. It’s next to the washer, right? You don’t need to look very hard, however, to see we can’t open the door due to a big, built-in shelving unit in the utility room. It appears never to have been used (blue tape still in place). So we are managing just fine with a good drying rack. Oh, well. I’m sure we are saving lots of energy.

Beeps

And one final “note.” All of these appliances beep A LOT: when cycles begin, when cycles end, when desired temperatures are reached, when something is wrong, when something is right, and whenever you push a button or change a setting. It can be quite alarming, and it can take a moment to figure out which of our new friends needs attention.